We have seen different types of perfumes, but we have only classified them according to their smell. There is yet another classification of fragrances, which is the composition part. Very few of us know that fragrances can be divided into two types, typically characterized by its construction differences. We are talking about the basic ingredients contained in perfumes, the concentrations and various factors.
As it isn’t important to know the different types of fragrances for enjoying the range of perfumes available today, people care least to understand the composition. Nonetheless, everyone should know that knowing the composition helps in making the correct decision.
Fragrances are made using 3 basic steps of formulation. These are also known as the fragrance ‘notes’. Typically there are 3 notes called the Top note, Middle note and the Base note.
When you sniff a perfume, the first impression that you get is the top note. It is the lighter and more volatile ingredient that helps in spreading the perfume, thereby giving a refreshing feel. Top notes are the scents that involve citrus fruits, such as lemon, grapefruit and bergamot; green notes, such as pine, mint and galbanum and aldehyde.
For more long-lasting effect you need the base note which is the underlying fragrance. The base note is also made from less volatile compositions including rare wood, amber and vanilla.
Base note makes the essential fragrance that also has an effect that lasts longer than usual. This note is also composed of less volatile ingredients like amber, vanilla and rare wood.
When these notes combine, they make the conventional fragrances. However, it is extremely important to maintain this transition of all the notes to efficiently create a blend of all these ingredients. Nowadays, yet another fragrance type has been developed. This type does not have any such discarnate transition. These usually have one single note and a vertical formulation.
It is imperative to learn how the perfumes are formulated and when worn, how they actually react. This would help in testing the fragrances while you are buying the same. What would you usually do before purchasing a perfume? Spray it on the body and then sniff. This does give a sense of the scent, but it isn’t enough for developing an understanding of the fragrance. This is even a prominent cause when you are choosing traditional perfumes; you simply cannot decide right away. In fact, it isn’t right to choose a perfume by sniffing once. It actually takes time and effort to find the best perfume, and more so, if you have a taste for signature scents.
Tags: Perfumes